The Gospel Part 2 - The Distinctives of the Gospel

Text

Galatians 1:11–24 KJV 1900

11 But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. 12 For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ. 13 For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews’ religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it: 14 And profited in the Jews’ religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers. 15 But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb, and called me by his grace, 16 To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood: 17 Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus. 18 Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days. 19 But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord’s brother. 20 Now the things which I write unto you, behold, before God, I lie not. 21 Afterwards I came into the regions of Syria and Cilicia; 22 And was unknown by face unto the churches of Judaea which were in Christ: 23 But they had heard only, That he which persecuted us in times past now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed. 24 And they glorified God in me.

Review

Galatia was a Roman provenance that Paul evangelized on his first missionary journey

The Jewish composition of the early church

Jerusalem council Acts 15 - where it was “officially” decided what responsibility Gentile believers had toward the law of Moses

The Jewish Christians probably operated differently considering their cultural influences and upbringing in the Synagogue

Paul is dealing primarily with the truth of the Gospel (as it relates to both Justification & Sanctification)

Last week we discussed how Paul opened his letter with a reminder of the message of the Gospel and his utter amazement that a group of Christians could be convinced to move away from such an amazing truth.

QUOTE: Paul did not write his rebuke to the Judaizers - he wrote it directly at Christians who were being deceived by them. Paul wanted them to see their responsibility in legitimizing these false teachers and the part they played in perpetuating this destructive teaching!

Galatians 1:6 KJV 1900

6 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:

Anything that removes us from Christ is a distortion of the Gospel “removed from him”

We discussed.....

The Purity of The Gospel - what are the ingredients that make up the truth of the Gospel..

Grace of God - “grace be unto you” - a gift that we do not deserve and did not earn Ep 2:8-9

Peace of God - “and peace from God the Father” - the only way to have peace with God is through Christ - it brings a rest!

Sacrifice of God - “who gave himself for our sins” - sin is the problem and Christ’s sacrifice was the solution PERIOD!

Deliverance of God - “that he might deliver us from this present evil world” - The Gospel had immediate as well as eternal implications!

Will of God - “according to the will of God” - much can be said about the will of God but none more important than from eternity it has always been his plan to redeem man back to himself through his Son. It is God’s will that you be saved! 1 Peter 3:9 “..is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance”

Glory of God - “to whom be glory forever” - The Gospel is all about the Glory of God - Not the promotion of man!

The Perversion of the Gospel - a shift away from Christ which was Sudden, it was Subtle & it was Serious

a. Sudden - “so soon removed” - Paul was amazed at how quickly they had been deceived

b. Subtle - “there be some that trouble you” - These trouble makers seemed to be religious but all they did was cause trouble and their tactics were indeed subtle

c. Serious - “let him be accursed” - These are strong words but Paul did not mince words about the very grave nature of this attack on the gospel

Introduction

Paul goes on to further his argument by drawing his readers to his own personal experience as a one time “religious pharisee” and his subsequent life altering event on the damascus road.

Our personal experiences can be both helpful and harmful but we must remember who is writing this letter. Paul was a unique man called of God and immensely qualified to make these remarks and use them to illustrate Scriptural truth.

Declaration: Our experience with Christ like Paul’s must be personal

Proposition: Have you met Christ personally - Has he been revealed to you?

Transition: As we look at Paul’s testimony we will see both his Former Tradition as well as his First-hand Transformation...

Notice first....

I. Paul’s Former Tradition - He was Religious

Galatians 1:13–14 KJV 1900

13 For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews’ religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it: 14 And profited in the Jews’ religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers.

All of us start somewhere and for Paul that was in a very religious community that stressed the importance of a life that feared God. By all outward appearances, Paul looked like a man that was close to God.

A. His Pedigree - He was born a Hebrew - A Jew - “my conversation is time past”

Paul is referring to his heritage and his history

He was born a Jew and was part of the religious sect we know as the Pharisees

Sadducee’s & Pharisee’s - difference’s in what they believed and how they practiced their beliefs

He had a lifestyle that upheld these beliefs and portrayed them to the world

B. His Position - He had risen through the ranks to a superior position - “profited in the Jews’ religion above many of mine equals”

Philippians 3:4–6 KJV 1900

4 Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more: 5 Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; 6 Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.

C. His Persecution - He had went so far as to have Christians killed and was a staunch opponent to the Faith and the message of Christ! “…beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it”

Acts 8:1 KJV 1900

1 And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles.

Acts 9:1 KJV 1900

1 And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest,

Application: No matter what our background is, whether secular or religious, it can never be the basis for a true Gospel Centered life!

We looked at Paul’s Former Tradition....now let’s notice...

II. Paul’s First-Hand Transformation

Paul’s life came to a dramatic climax as he was at the height of his self-righteous crusade. He was so busy being zealous and religious that he failed to see Jesus for who he was. Which, for someone with such a keen intimacy with the Old Testament Scriptures is hard to imagine.

The death burial and resurrection of Christ is the most significant event in all of history and Paul like many Jews missed it

All of Paul’s religious training did not bring him to the Gospel - “not after man”

It was the simple revealing of Christ that made the difference - “but by the revelation of Jesus Christ”

He was referring to his experience on the Damascus Road...

Acts 9:3–22 KJV 1900

3 And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: 4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? 5 And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. 6 And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do. 7 And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man. 8 And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus. 9 And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink. 10 And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord. 11 And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth, 12 And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight. 13 Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem: 14 And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name. 15 But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: 16 For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake. 17 And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. 18 And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized. 19 And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus. 20 And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God. 21 But all that heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests? 22 But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ.

A. God revealed Paul’s Sin - “why persecutest thou me?”

Acts 9:3–4 KJV 1900

3 And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: 4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?

Paul’s sin like our own is really...sin against God himself

Isaiah 53:6 KJV 1900

6 All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned every one to his own way; And the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

Romans 3:23 KJV 1900

23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

Romans 6:23 KJV 1900

23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

There must come a point where “sin” becomes “our sin”

B. Paul asked the most important question - “Who art thou, Lord?

Acts 9:5 KJV 1900

5 And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.

This is the most important question anyone can ask - God who are you?

After being confronted with his sin Paul recognized that this was God who was probing his heart

C. Paul humbled himself before the Lord - “and he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do”

Acts 9:6 KJV 1900

6 And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.

Conclusion

Paul started life as a religious man that was zealous for his brand of Judaism. But everything changed when he met Christ on that road to Damascus.

What about us?

Have we recognized our past for what it is?

Have we met Christ and has he been truly revealed to us?